Growing Black Rubber Plant in India

Explore the best ways to grow Black Rubber Plant in India. Learn all about maintaining these evergreen foliage plants.

 

The Black Rubber Plant is relatively easy to care for and stands out with its dark green leaves that almost look black from a distance. As it is also a great indoor air purifying specimen, keeping it in rooms makes a lot of sense.

Check Out the Best Indoor Plants For Homes In India here

---

Black Rubber Plant Information

The Black Rubber Plant is an evergreen tree native to tropical regions in India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. It is also known as the rubber tree, rubber fig, or Indian rubber bush.

It grows up to 30 feet in height and has a thick trunk and glossy, dark green oval leaves that are up to 8 inches long. Its flowers are small and yellow, and its fruits are small red drupes. The rubber plant is often used as an ornamental plant in homes and offices and is valued for its air-purifying properties.

Botanical Name: Ficus elastica ‘Black’

Check Out How to Grow Baby Rubber Plant here!

---

Requirements for Growing Black Rubber Plant

Sunlight

Black Rubber Plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate some direct sunlight but should be kept away from intense afternoon sun, which may scorch the leaves.

When grown indoors, a south- or east-facing window is ideal. If the plant is kept too far away from the window, it may become leggy.

Check Out How to Grow Alocasia Wentii in India here!

Soil

Rubber plants prefer well-drained soil that is moderately moist. They are not picky about their soil type, but they do best in potting soil that is rich in organic matter.

A good quality, all-purpose potting mix will work well. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. The soil should also be light and airy, so it is important to mix in some perlite or other similar material to provide adequate drainage.

Water

Black Rubber Plant requires consistently moist soil; water when the top inch of soil is dry, and mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity. As with most houseplants, it is important to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.

Humidity

These plants prefer high humidity levels of 60-80%. They can tolerate lower humidity levels, but they tend to do better with higher levels.

To increase the humidity levels around your rubber plant, you can place it in a room with a humidifier, mist it with distilled water, or put it on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Check Out How to Grow Philodendron Burle Marx in India here!

Temperature

Black Rubber Plant prefers warm, humid environments with temperatures ranging from 60-85°F (15-29°C). They should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 50°F (10°C).

---

Black Rubber Plant Care

Fertilizer

If you want to give your Black Rubber Plant a boost, fertilize it twice a year, in spring and summer, with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Mix the fertilizer at half the recommended strength and water your rubber plant with it once every two weeks.

Avoid fertilizing during the winter months, as this can cause the plant to become weaker and more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Read About Variegated Rubber Plant Care here!

Pests and Diseases

These plants can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. However, they may be attacked by mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites and thrips or diseases, leaf spots, root rot, and powdery mildew.

To prevent these pests and diseases, keeping your Black Rubber Plant healthy is essential by providing it with proper lighting, watering, and fertilization. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests and diseases and remove any affected leaves or stems.

In severe cases, using a pesticide or fungicide may be necessary, but be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

Watch the Video Below